Sharks scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar is worth his weight in gold, according to Bok coach Jake White.

Pienaar, who played flyhalf for the SA U21s last year, is probably the most versatile player in the Bok squad, which also makes him one of the most valuable.

“Ruan can play almost anywhere in the backline,” said White on Boots & All. “And that makes him like gold for a touring team and for a tournament like the World Cup.”

White said he had been left with no choice but to include Pienaar after the scrumhalf’s efforts in the Super 14 this year.

“If he’s good enough to go to the World Cup next year, then he should be involved with the side now,” he said. “The quicker I get him involved, the better. I want him to understand the ethos of the Springbok team and brand.”

Pienaar is on the bench for Saturday’s game, and should replace Ricky Januarie at some point in the second half.